Is It Worth It? Juicing Your Own or Hitting the Juice Bar

Fresh pressed juice is tasty and nutrient packed. Juice bars seem to be popping up on every corner, not to mention the in-store mini juice bars found in health-food oriented grocery stores. Recently I decided to buy juice while doing my weekly grocery shopping. I was tired, had skipped lunch and needed a shot of energy. The store also had a coffee bar, but I thought juice would be the healthier option. After making my selection the friendly young lady said, “That will be $8.” Really? $8 for 16 ounces of fresh juice? Not including tip. Hoping it would be worth it, I shelled out the cash and put a dollar in the prominently displayed tip jar. The juice was really good, especially the zing of fresh ginger, but I had to wonder, “Can’t I just make this at home for a lot less?”

Juicing

Let’s do the math. If I bought a fresh juice once a week it would run approximately $40-$45 per month, including tip and any added nutrients I might choose. These “add-ins” are for things such as flax seed, whey, and raw cocoa powder that run anywhere from $1 to $3 each. Did you know there is a chain of juice bars that charges $2 for “no ice”? Go figure.

I chose a recipe similar to my favorite juice from the health food store and calculated the price using organic produce:

“Immunity Booster” – $5.58 per serving

  • 1 orange – $0.89
  • 2 carrots – $0.72
  • 3 stalks of celery – $0.66
  • 2 red beets – $1.14
  • 1-inch piece of ginger – $0.37
  • 1 bunch parsley – $1.64
  • 1 clove garlic – $0.16

Looking at the cost of the ingredients alone, you might think juicing at home is the obvious winner. That is until you factor in the cost of the juicer. You’ll find a wide range of models and prices for cold-press, or slow, masticating juicers; as low as $64.99 to more than $500.

carrots and juicing

 

If you’re planning to juice on a regular basis, it is a good idea to invest in one of the mid-range to higher-priced machines. As my dad always says, “You get no more than you pay for!”. You’ll want a juicer that lasts and is relatively easy to clean.

So, what’s the verdict? Is it worth it to juice at home? If you are committed to juicing a minimum of twice a week, YES, you will save money and time making your own nutritious fresh-pressed juices at home. However, if you are only hitting the juice bar a few times a month, maintain this healthy habit.

juicing

 

Lori Rodgers – Lori’s passion for food and fine dining began at an early age. She started reading Gourmet at 8, and was fortunate to have a father who included her in his travels to cites across the US, often frequenting restaurants she had read about in the magazine. After studying hotel and restaurant management at FSU for two years and thoroughly enjoying the summer program in Switzerland, she graduated with a degree in International Business with a minor in Spanish. Lori owned and operated the family business, Bert Rodgers Schools of Real Estate for 25 years, indulging her cooking hobby by whipping up meals for family and friends on the weekends. She has two teenagers who have adopted a vegan lifestyle, adding a new challenge to Lori’s cooking repertoire. Lori recently sold the business and is embarking on a new chapter and new career, returning to her true calling, cooking and exploring the multifaceted world of food!
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